Two people killed in clashes between communities in Aligarh

Two people were killed and at least eight injured in two incidents of communal violence in the past two days here, following which police and paramilitary forces were deployed in the old city and some rural areas of the district.

Two people were killed and at least eight injured in two incidents of communal violence in Aligarh.(Representative image/Shutterstock)

Two people were killed and at least eight injured in two incidents of communal violence in the past two days here, following which police and paramilitary forces were deployed in the old city and some rural areas of the district.

Violence broke out last night at the Babri Mandi locality of the city when members of two communities clashed following a minor roadside altercation.

Police had to lob tear gas shells and fire rubber bullets after the two groups opened fire and pelted bricks on each other.

At least four people, including a woman identified as Shashi, were injured in the brick-batting. Police said none of the injured are in a serious condition.

District magistrate Rajmani Yadav told PTI that the violence was triggered when some people were celebrating with firecrackers on the road and some passersby objected.

He denied that police had to open fire to quell the clash. The situation is “under control” in the affected areas and heavy police patrolling is in place, he said.

No arrests have been made and the police is yet to register a report in the case.

On Sunday, in another incident, 60-year-old Bundu Khan and his son Mohabbat (18) were killed in violence that broke out after a mishap.

Khan and his son were returning home after making some purchases when their two-wheeler hit a cart.

An altercation ensued which later turned violent. As word of the incident spread, angry protesters belonging to both communities started gathering on the spot from neighbouring villages too.

The situation was brought under control on Sunday night, only after heavy police reinforcements and paramilitary forces, including Rapid Action Force, arrived on the spot. At least four people were injured.

The deceased persons were buried amid strong security measures in their native village, Kauriaganj, about 30km from here.

Police said that four persons have been arrested in connection with the killing of the father-son duo.